Construction Contract Lawyers for Jacksonville, Florida

I am the Founder and Managing Attorney of DMD Law, PA. and have 20 years' experience. I am a business-oriented, proactive, and problem-solving corporate lawyer with in-house experience. My firm's practice focuses on ensuring the legalities of commercial transactions and contracts. I am adept at reviewing, drafting, negotiating and generally overseeing policies, procedures, handbooks, corporate documents, and contracts. I have a proven track record of leading domestic and international companies by ensuring they are functioning in complete compliance with local, federal and international law. I also help clients with their estate planning documents. In all projects, the firm's goal is to simplify the law and provide clients with the confidence and information necessary to make their decisions.

I help business owners, founders, employers, athletes, creators and families get contracts and legal documents done right the first time, at a flat fee agreed before any work starts. I am licensed in Florida (2021) and Washington, D.C. (2022). I practice as a business and contracts attorney and outside general counsel with Amethyst Law Group, and previously served as Florida Managing Attorney at Lento Law Group. Before that I sat on the business side of the table as General Manager and General Counsel of a professional basketball organization and as Deputy Commissioner of a start-up sports league, so I have negotiated, drafted and enforced the same agreements I now prepare and review for clients: sponsorship and vendor deals, player, coaching and staff contracts, employment and independent contractor agreements, licensing and brand deals. What I handle on ContractsCounsel: - Contract drafting, review and redlining: service agreements, MSAs, NDAs, vendor and supplier agreements, sponsorship, licensing, endorsement and brand deals - Business formation and governance: LLCs and corporations, operating agreements, bylaws, partnership and shareholder agreements, founder and equity arrangements - Employment and hiring: offer letters, employment agreements, independent contractor agreements, non-compete and confidentiality agreements, separation and severance agreements, handbooks and policies - Sports, entertainment and creator agreements: athlete representation, NIL, sponsorship, appearance, management and agency agreements (licensed FIBA agent) - Real estate: purchase and sale agreements, residential and commercial leases, contract review before you sign - Wills, trusts, powers of attorney and estate planning documents - Demand letters, cease and desist letters and pre-dispute contract enforcement - Ongoing outside general counsel support for small and growing businesses How I work: Every project starts with a fixed price and a delivery date you can plan around. You receive a plain-English summary of what the document does, what I changed and why, and any risks you should know about, not just a marked-up file. Two rounds of revisions are included so the final draft is exactly what you need, and I respond to messages the same business day. Credentials: J.D., Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, summa cum laude, top 5% of class, Senior Editor of the Southern Journal of Policy and Justice, Dean's Certificate of Professionalism, 300+ pro bono hours; M.S. Forensic Psychology (4.0 GPA); M.S.Ed. Sports Administration, University of Miami; B.A. English Language and Literature, Southern New Hampshire University. Recognized as an Elite Lawyer recipient. Malpractice insurance carried. Litigation background: first-chair trial attorney with experience in business, employment, real estate, consumer protection and family matters. I draft every contract with a clear view of how it will hold up if it is ever tested.

Broad area practice including Business (domestic & international), IP, Employment, Family Law, Administrative, etc. My focus is a direct, no-BS approach with fast turn around times on completed work.

Corporate, M&A & Securities Lawyer | Managing Attorney, DP Counsel PLLC Practice Areas: Business Formation | Commercial Contracts | Contract Drafting & Review | Mergers & Acquisitions | Venture Capital | Securities Offerings | Franchise Law | Employment & Equity Compensation | Intellectual Property | Cross-Border Transactions About/Bio: I represent companies, investors, and fund sponsors in corporate transactions, commercial contracting, and private securities matters, from entity formation and early-stage financings to acquisitions, exits, and ongoing strategic counsel. As Managing Attorney of DP Counsel PLLC, I help clients structure transactions clearly, allocate risk thoughtfully, and move deals forward with documentation that is practical, enforceable, and aligned with business objectives. My practice includes both day-to-day commercial matters and more complex transactional work, including venture financings, private offerings, M&A deals, fund-related documents, and cross-border structuring. What I Do: Corporate & Commercial • Entity formation and structuring for corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships • Operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and governance documents • Commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation • Vendor, distribution, manufacturing, SaaS, and licensing agreements • Employment, consulting, confidentiality, and equity compensation agreements • Outside general counsel support for growing companies Securities & Private Capital • Private offerings under Regulation D and Regulation S • Private placement memoranda, subscription agreements, and investor documents • SAFE, convertible note, and priced equity financings • Venture capital and private fund formation matters • Fund governing documents and offering document packages • Securities law analysis for private capital raising transactions Mergers & Acquisitions • Letters of intent and term sheets • Stock purchase, asset purchase, and merger agreements • Due diligence coordination and transaction support • Disclosure schedules, closing documents, and post-closing matters • Earnouts, rollover equity, indemnity structures, and related deal terms • HSR, CFIUS, and related regulatory issue spotting for qualifying transactions Digital Assets & Emerging Technologies • Federal-law digital asset and token securities analysis • Entity structuring for blockchain and Web3 ventures • Digital asset fund and operating structures • AML/KYC documentation support and regulatory issue spotting Franchising • Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) • Franchise agreements • Master franchise and area development agreements • Franchise structuring and registration coordination Real Estate Transactions • Commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions • Real estate joint ventures and syndications • Commercial lease drafting and negotiation • Real estate investment structures and related offering documents Cross-Border & International • U.S. market entry and entity structuring for international clients • Delaware and multi-entity holding structures • Cross-border transaction planning and documentation • Coordination with foreign counsel and tax advisors on cross-border matters Why Clients Hire Me: • Big-law-level drafting with boutique responsiveness • Practical, business-focused advice grounded in execution reality • Clear scoping and transparent fee arrangements • Experience across financings, acquisitions, fund formations, and cross-border transactions Typical Projects: • Contract drafting and negotiation • Entity formation and governance packages • Private offering document suites • Venture financing documentation • M&A transactions from LOI through closing • Fractional or outside general counsel support Industries Technology | SaaS | FinTech | Digital Assets | E-commerce | Healthcare | Real Estate | Food & Beverage | Professional Services

I am a U.S.-licensed attorney with more than a decade of experience in complex litigation and intellectual property matters. I have practiced at leading Am Law firms including Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, Arent Fox, and Sughrue Mion, and I currently operate my own law practice. I have extensive experience handling high-stakes patent litigation, drafting pleadings and briefs, managing large-scale discovery, preparing and defending depositions, and appearing before federal courts and administrative bodies such as the PTAB and ITC. I hold a J.D., cum laude, from The George Washington University Law School and advanced technical degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering, which allow me to efficiently handle technically complex matters. I am admitted in multiple jurisdictions, including New York, Virginia, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia, and I regularly provide high-quality remote legal support to clients nationwide.

Experienced in house counsel with expertise in contracting, labor and employment, regulatory and compliance and healthcare

I was born and raised in Wayne, New Jersey and attended Seton Hall University, graduating cum laude. I followed my family down to Florida to attend Ave Maria School of Law where I graduated cum laude. I was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2018. During law school, I participated in the Certified Legal Internship program with the State Attorney's Office of the 20th Judicial Circuit and litigated 5 jury trials, 1 non jury trial and argued various motions before the court under the supervision of an Assistant State Attorney. I was an Assistant States Attorney for Collier County from 2018 to 2020 before moving into private practice in the areas of real estate and first party property from 2020 to 2021. As of November 2021, I started my own law practice that focuses on business planning, real estate and estate planning.

I specialize in reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial real estate contracts. I have over 10 years of experience in drafting and negotiating commercial leases and related documents.

With over a decade of experience in transactional legal work, I provide clients with comprehensive, practical, and tailored solutions in real estate, business law, and estate planning. My focus is on delivering precise, client-centered services that protect your interests and help you achieve your goals. What I Offer: Real Estate Law: Expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts for purchases, sales, leases, easements, title documents, and closings. Whether you're dealing with commercial, multifamily, or residential properties, I’ll ensure your transaction is seamless and secure. Business Law: Skilled in forming entities, drafting contracts, and other key negotiations. From startups to established businesses, I provide legal guidance to help you operate and grow with confidence. Estate Planning: Comprehensive estate planning services, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. I work closely with clients to create customized plans that protect their assets and ensure their wishes are honored. Transactional Expertise: A proven track record of navigating complex deals efficiently and accurately, reducing risks and delivering results. Why Work With Me? Client-Centered Approach: I prioritize your unique needs, ensuring tailored solutions and clear communication throughout. Attention to Detail: My meticulous approach ensures that every document, negotiation, and agreement is handled flawlessly. Proven Results: For over 10 years, I’ve helped clients close real estate deals, secure favorable business outcomes, and establish estate plans that offer peace of mind. Let’s work together to secure your future, protect your assets, and simplify complex legal transactions. Contact me today to discuss how I can support your real estate, business, or estate planning needs!

Whitney L. Smith's journey from entrepreneur to advocate is fueled by a profound understanding of the business world. With a decade of firsthand entrepreneurial experience, she entered law school driven by a mission to protect others' businesses. However, her passion for real estate law blossomed as she recognized the tremendous benefits rental property ownership offers to individuals seeking passive income and community development. Blending her deep understanding of transactional law with zealous courtroom advocacy, she empowers landlords to thrive. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, she is a proud graduate of Stetson College of Law and cherishes her role as a devoted parent to two children and a beloved pit bull companion.